EATING WHEN YOU HAVE AN OSTOMY

EATING WHEN YOU HAVE AN OSTOMY

The biggest problem for many of those who have an ostomy is the gas that can build up quickly and fill the pouch. It can come from swallowing air while eating quickly, chewing gum or using a straw. Some of the foods you eat can cause gas as well:

  • Carbonated beverages
  • Gassy vegetables and beans
    • Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, onions
  • Spices 
    • Pepper, cloves, curry, chili powder, garlic, mustard nutmeg and horseradish) 
  • Sorbitol and xylitol (sweeteners that are often in gum and diabetic candies)
  • Cow's milk and dairy products, if you are lactose intolerant

Blockages can occur with an ileostomy or with narrowing (a stricture) higher in the intestine. This can happen with a variety of foods, especially those that are difficult to digest:

  • Fruits or vegetable with peels (apples, grapes, citrus or potatoes)
  • Thick vegetables (asparagus, broccoli stems, cabbage, Chinese vegetables, celery)  
  • Casings on meats (hot dogs and sausage)
  • Dried fruits 
  • Nuts and popcorn

You can help by eating slowly (eating quickly tends to cause you to swallow more air which becomes gas downstream)

This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.

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